Peas and mashed potatoes are back on the menu this year, as are damsels in distress, baddies, goodies, song and dance, biting satire, the oft-dreaded audience participation time, and a rather crude and hilarious Dame.

MADC’s The Princess and the Pea, currently playing at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali, brings together all the elements one has come to expect from the club’s annual Christmas pantomime.

Directed by panto veteran Nanette Brimmer, written by newcomers Nathan Brimmer and Maxine Calleja Urry (with a modest contribution from Hans Christian Andersen), and most certainly spiced up by Alan Montanaro, who once more steps into the Dame’s high heels, the show is a spectacular piece of all-round entertainment.

Bettina Paris plays the title role (the princess, not the pea!), while her knight in shining armour is played by Alexander Gatesy Lewis.

Long-time panto actor Ralph Mangion fits the part of King Philander to a tee, while Katherine Brown’s Fairy Patience tries to foil the evil plans of Joe Depasquale’s evil Baddafi and his sidekicks Moussa and Koussa, comically portrayed by Andre Agius and Marta Vella – no prizes for guessing who inspired this year’s baddies’ names.

Musical direction is under Paul Abela’s baton, choreography by Alison White and set and costume designs by Peter Howitt.

Performances of MADC’s The Princess and the Pea run until January 8, except for December 31 and January 1. Bookings can be made online through www.madc.biz